Each drop of info is always helpful, Chicago area/Wisconsin are the same, (or close enough).
Passed away makes sense, since no output.
Floral weights for years also makes sense.
It's really funny how often I see multiple pieces from the same artist hit ebay at the same time, from different sellers. When I purchased this one, the next week, another seller had it's twin up. I almost bought te second one, it was at $72 (same as I paid for this one), it didn't get a bid, and is now $125, on a set price listing, (prob won't sell though), plus a pretty salmon version @ $150. Plus 5 others that have sold since May.
My two thoughts are, one, I'm just noticing an artist more, right after I buy something. Similar to right after you buy a new auto, in a pretty color, suddenly there are dozens around you. The other theory is, people see an item sell, and say to themselves, I have one of those, I never knew it was worth that much, think I'll list mine.
Thanks again all.
Bob